Method and apparatus for producing unique radiation spectra

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for providing a desired spectral intensity profile from a broadband light source. The apparatus comprises separation means for separating light provided by the broadband light source into radiation having a continuum of wavelengths; a blocking element having a first side and a second side, the first side having a two-dimensional surface with a desired blocking contour configured thereon, the blocking element positioned relative to the separation means so as to receive the radiation separated into the continuum of wavelengths onto the first side thereof and allow a portion of the radiation to pass from the first side to the second side, wherein the portion of the radiation conforms to the desired blocking contour; and recombination means for recombining the portion of the radiation conforming to the desired blocking contour into the desired spectral intensity profile.

Description

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION[0001]This patent application claims benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 376,439, filed May 1, 2002 by David A. Morrison for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING UNIQUE RADIATION SPECTRA, which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention is related to optical light source apparatus and methods in general, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for providing unique radiation spectra.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It has become apparent, particularly in the field of biological sciences, that there exists a need for radiation sources that can be customized so as to produce a spectrum possessing a set of desired characteristics. This need ranges from illuminating a sample for microscopic evaluation to producing a desired spectrum for the purpose of designed stimulation of cellular activity.[0004]Although there are methods to produce bands...

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Benefits of technology

[0008]And another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus for producing the desired radiation spectra in which the apparatus comprises relatively low-cost components.

[0012]Still another object is to provide a method for producing the desired radiation spectra in which low-cost components are used.

Problems solved by technology

Although there are methods to produce bands of spectra using interference filters, or some variation of spectra separation as used in spectroscopes, these methods exhibit the common deficiency of only permitting contiguous bands of energy to reach the sample.

Some research or analytical applications require many of these expensive and fragile filters to conduct routine laboratory evaluations.

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